Belgian Shepherd Dog

Appearance

Structure
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is an elegant, medium-to-large size dog, projecting an image of both power and grace. All varieties share the same underlying musculoskeletal structure. One of the identifying characteristics of the breed is that it is square--height from ground to top of withers should equal length

Groenendael
The Groenendael is characterized by a long, double coat in solid black. White marking are to be confined to a small patch on the chest (not to extend to the neck) and white toes. Coat texture is stiff, tight, and thick: designed to withstand the elements.

Health
There have been few health surveys of the individual Belgian Shepherd varieties. The UK Kennel Club conducted a 2004 health survey of all Belgian Shepherd varieties combined. The Belgian Sheepdog (=Groenendael) Club of America Health Committee has a health registry questionnaire, but it is not clear whether or when results will be reported. The American Belgian Tervuren Club conducted health surveys in 1998 and 2003. Only the 2003 report included longevity information.